20 Lettuce-Free Salads That Will Hold Up in the Summer Heat
Skip the leafy greens for a tasty side that won’t wilt.
It’s true: Summer salads don't need a bed of leafy greens to steal the show. In fact, when the weather heats up, it's the ones without lettuce that do that. Whether you’re heading to a potluck, hosting a cookout, or looking for a make-ahead side dish that’ll keep in the fridge for a few days, lettuce-free salads have all the crunch, flavor, and nourishment as their leafy counterparts—yep, no soggy leaves here!
Because these salads are made to hold up in the summer heat, they’ll stay crisp and cool in the sun at a backyard BBQ or after a day at the park. And it just so happens that a handful of the most popular Pioneer Woman salads of all time don't have an shred of lettuce in them. Just take Ree Drummond’s watermelon salad featuring crunchy cucumbers and salt feta or her classic Caprese salad with creamy mozzarella and juicy tomatoes, for instance. Even without leafy greens, they’re still packed with fresh, hearty ingredients that’ll round out any summer dinner. From fruity concoctions to veggie-packed varieties, these refreshing salads sans lettuce are the perfect sidekick to summer staples like juicy burgers and grilled skewers.
So, the next time you’re looking for a tasty summer side that’ll complete a weeknight meal or summer picnic, look no further than these salads.
Peach and Burrata Salad
The only green thing you’ll see in this refreshing summer salad is basil! Juicy peaches, creamy burrata, salty prosciutto, and a tangy vinaigrette make this side dish so refreshing.
Get the Peach and Burrata Salad recipe.
Mushroom Salad
With sautéed mushrooms, sweet cherry tomatoes, and roasted red peppers, this salad is packed with produce. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to five days without wilting! A honey-balsamic dressing is the finishing touch.
Get the Mushroom Salad recipe.
Watermelon, Tomato, and Mozzarella Salad
If you love Caprese salads, this lettuce-free version is just as refreshing. It features a fruity summer spin: cubed watermelon!
Big Grilled Veggie Salad
Even without lettuce, there’s no shortage of crunch is this salad. Zucchini, squash, mushrooms, bell peppers, and other ripe veggies are charred on the grill before tossed with fresh herbs and crumbled feta.
Get Ree’s Big Grilled Veggie Salad recipe.
Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad
This Greek-inspired salad has a simple medley of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, salty feta, and bright herbs. Best of all, you can mix it up in 20 minutes!
Get Ree’s Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad recipe.
Asparagus Salad
This salad might not have any lettuce, but there’s still plenty of crunch from asparagus, walnuts, and radishes. A mix of bacon, parmesan cheese, and a lemony vinaigrette make it so salty and refreshing!
Get the Asparagus Salad recipe.
Tabbouleh
This salad may be green, but it doesn't contain a lick of lettuce! Instead, the Middle Eastern dish gets color from parsley, mint, green onion, cucumber, and tomato.
Get the Tabbouleh recipe.
Caprese Salad
You can do so much with a good Caprese salad—serve it as an appetizer for your summer cookout, a side dish with beef, or a tasty afternoon snack. It's even better with the balsamic glaze.
Get Ree's Caprese Salad recipe.
Radish Salad
Colorful, crunchy radishes bring a burst of peppery flavor to this vibrant salad. Paired with thinly sliced cucumbers and a generous handful of fresh herbs, it's a refreshing, lettuce-free option that's as easy to make as it is to love.
Get the Radish Salad recipe.
Chickpea Salad
This salad is jam-packed with color and flavor, thanks to crisp, green cucumbers, fresh herbs, avocado, and juicy tomatoes. Plus, the chickpeas add some staying power to fill you up at lunchtime.
Get the Chickpea Salad recipe.
Carrot Salad
Skip the lettuce in favor of crunchy carrots instead. The natural sweetness from the carrots complements the apples and raisins that are mixed in.
Get the Carrot Salad recipe.
Mango Salad
Fruit salad still counts as a salad, right? Despite mainly consisting of mango, this salad has a savory, or rather spicy, twist, thanks to a sprinkle of chili-lime seasoning.
Get the Mango Salad recipe.
Corn Salad
When fresh corn is in season, this salad is at the top of our list! It has mix-ins like tomato, avocado, and cheese, plus a creamy, tangy dressing with a hint of spice from smoky chipotle.
Get the Corn Salad recipe.
Avocado Salad
This show-stopping summer salad puts creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers front and center. But it's the zesty salsa verde dressing that really sets it apart.
Get the Avocado Salad recipe.
Cucumber Salad
Whether you're firing up your favorite grilling recipes or adding a bit of heat in a spicy dish, this cucumber salad is the perfect accompaniment. It's cool and crisp in all its glory.
Get the Cucumber Salad recipe.
Green Bean Salad
Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, this crisp green bean salad is loaded with fun mix-ins, like roasted, salted almonds, creamy goat cheese, and briny olives.
Get the Green Bean Salad recipe.
Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint
Cucumber and watermelon are a surprisingly refreshing combination that will have your family or guests coming back for seconds. It's perfect for a warm summer day.
Get Ree's Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint recipe.
Broccoli Salad
Fresh broccoli is the star of this creamy veggie salad, but it's the mix-ins that make it extra exciting. Add dried cranberries, sharp cheddar cheese, and smoked almonds for a flavor-packed dish.
Get the Broccoli Salad recipe.
Classic Three-Bean Salad
This potluck salad is made with three types of beans: white beans, red kidney beans, and fresh green beans. But don't hold out on the chopped celery and red onion either—they add a ton of crunch and flavor.
Get the Classic Three-Bean Salad recipe.
Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette
You'll want to put this flavorful salad on repeat all summer long. Serve it up with your favorite burgers, hot dogs, or grilled meats.
Get Ree's Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette recipe.
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